Michael Becker - California State University Fresno

Professor: Michael Becker

Department: TBD

College: California State University Fresno

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PLSC2
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I loved this teacher so much, can tell he cares for students & wants them to succeed. Hes Extremely knowledgeable! This class was hard for me test wise, but reading, taking notes, studying everyday got me through. Get a study partner if you can:) it truly makes a difference! Grading is based off 4 tests but he offers extra credit. Youll love him!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PLSI110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Fantastic lectures. If you do the readings and really try to put yourself in the perspective of the authors, you'll do great. One of the best classes I've had so far, and with the most discussion. Be prepared to talk about political philosophy, and why you believe certain things. I would highly recommend Dr. Becker!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PLSCI2
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

GO TO CLASS AND READ! You can pass just reading but to be sure, just remember all vocab and take good lecture notes. He doesn't use blackboard/canvas, just email and no gradebook access until year's over. No homework, just tests. Offers extra credit. HATES PHONES. Makes the info interesting and you'll actually learn. Don't get lazy! STUDY STUDY!!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PLSI120
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

4 tests- Multiple choice, Short Answer, Long Answer and Geography 1- 5 to 7 page essay, hard topic, DONT' PROCASTINATE, go in to office hours for help Can't miss class, otherwise will fail!! Must read book, and do the study guide!!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POLISCI2
• Grade Received: D+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Lecture very heavy and if you skip class good luck on the test. Only grades are 4 test 2 are multiple choice first and last, the other 2 are written essays and multiple choice. Very difficult!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PLSC2
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I never cared for politics but Becker made his lectures super interesting. He does not use powerpoints so make sure you attend class and follow along. He repeats definitions many times throughout his lectures which is very helpful. Do the readings, attend class, do study guides and you'll pass. Test are based on lectures so dont miss!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PLSC2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

By far the worst class I have taken, extremely hard and it doesn't help that he's a tough grader. There's 3 exams and a final. No homework but ALOT of reading. If you fail the exams then you'll fail the class. He gives extra credit, however it's not worth it because it's alot to do for very few points. He was also a bit rude at times.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PLSC2
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

This clas was somewhat difficult because politics can be very dry. Professor Becker does his best to make it interesting, as long as you read and study the vocab and pay attention to what he says, his exams are not difficult. Essay topics on test are very easy and he offers extra credit. As long as you put in the work and study, an A is possible.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PLSI110
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Hes a great guy super radical in his views but very interesting, I would totally recommend him again, but if you were to take him you have to read the material. Overall I love him as a teacher and he really made me move my major and believe in it hes just a great guy overall maybe a little intimidating.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PLSC2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Literally cant miss one day of lecture or youll be lost. Tests are difficult and based on both lecture and text. Lectures are so boring a lot of people fall asleep. I would not take him again.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PLSCI2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

PLSI 2 is a GE course but he takes it as if political science is your major. You only take exams and some require you to write essays. You also have to learn about 100+ vocab words for tests. exams are so hard to get an A that extra credit barely makes a difference. I haven't finished the course yet but id be lucky to pass with a C.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PHIL2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

THE WORST

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PLSC2
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: No
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Doesn't take attendance but if you skip class you def. won't pass. He talks to much and doest match anything with what comes in the test. Only grades you with your exams and a essay, so hard to get back up when you fail a test.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PLSI1
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

1. Go to every lecture 2. Type the notes on your laptop because it's the best way to get everything down- he goes really fast during lecture. 3. Work hard on the study guide. 4. Read most of the chapters in the book. 5. Put effort in the class. Only way you'll pass. He's a tough grader, but it won't be hard if you stay focused.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PLSC2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He doesn't take attendance but going to lecture help a lot. You don't really have to read the book if you go to lecture because he basically covers everything. But there are somethings he doesn't cover so just skim through the chapters after the lectures. Its a easy class just go to lecture and you will pass. His lectures can be very interesting.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: PLSCI1
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Becker is lecture heavy. You've got to go to class every single day and rely on the lecture for tests. He gives no homework, 10 extra credit opportunities, and 3 exams. He actually cares about you learning this material and will answer any of questions. This is NOT the class to slack off in. It was interesting and he definitely knows his stuff.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PLSC2
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

His exams will be hard if you do not attend class or read, but he gives a study guide for each exam and as long as you fill it out his exams are easy. His lectures are so interesting and asks the class for their opinion. Overall I really enjoyed this class.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PLSCI1
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Becker is not joke, but he knows what he is talking about. If you study all of the terms on the chapters in the book, and answer all of the essay questions on the study guide you will do good on the test. You just have to write a lot because he is a hard grader. But besides the stress during the tests, you are chilling: no homework!

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POLISCI2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

I absolutely loved taking his class! His lectures were never boring and he always engaged everyone! His test were hard only if you didnt study! Just study and attend class and youll pass no problem :)

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PLSI1
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

This professor was a breath of fresh air. Fresno State needs more professors like him. He inspires you to think actively. To not just regurgitate popular slogans and majority viewpoints. You are encouraged to think about the impact political systems have on us and the environment. He doesn't want to make you employable, he wants to make you think.